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Leeds United set to make behind-the-scenes moves on two figures to cover two transfer windows - Phil Hay
Leeds United are set to keep Nick Hammond and Gary Penrice at the club with the plan to have them around for the next two transfer windows, according to Phil Hay.
Speaking on The Square Ball on 20 October the Athletic journalist reiterated that the club had been “very, very happy” with the former’s work in the summer market having arrived as an interim figure, but extended that to ex-Celtic scout Penrice.
Discussions have now apparently been held in recent weeks about extending the relationship with both, although the official moves are yet to be announced, and Hay expects the two to continue at Elland Road.
Hay said (18m 30s): “I think they will [keep Hammond], I think they will do. Hammond was in during the summer as interim transfer consultant but he was very, very involved in recruitment… he was right in the thick of it.
“They’re very, very happy. Him and one if his colleagues Gary Penrice, the scout who was up at Celtic for a while, I would expect both of them to be back involved, that’s certainly been what’s the intention and what’s been discussed for the past few weeks, although to this point hasn’t been announced.
“I think ideally they would like him to be here for the next two windows, for January and next summer.”
Strong start
Given the rollercoaster Leeds United were riding through the summer it is a surprisingly settled situation at the club currently, and a lot of that is down to salvaging a chaotic transfer window.
The relegation release clauses that allowed numerous first-team players to leave, with others pushing to follow, looked like threatening an immediate promotion push.
But late business that saw Hammond working with manager Daniel Farke and technical director Gretar Steinsson left the squad looking like one of the best in the Championship.
The signings of Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea and Joel Piroe from Swansea have both been key, as has the free transfer return of Sam Byram, while the two Tottenham loanees Joe Rodon and Djed Spence has helped address a problematic backline.
Add to that the arrival of Jaidon Anthony from the flames of the late Luis Sinisterra debacle and the recruitment department can be pretty pleased with their work, so if the next two windows provide more of the same fans will be also.
If January goes positively then it should in turn increase the chances of a return to the top flight, and a strong summer window with the benefit of Premier League money might banish the memories of Victor Orta’s last crack at it far into the distance.
In other Leeds United news, plans for one star who made a sudden loan exit have emerged amid transfer speculation.